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    Opening bags of charcoal

    Posts: 105
    in EggHead Forum
    As I was opening a new bag of charcoal tonight, I remembered how when I started grilling I had no idea how to open the darn things without a knife. Made a mess and ended up ripping the bag.

    For those of us that didn't grow up opening bags of feed, here's a handy write-up on how it's done (not mine, just one I found).

    http://cheaptalk.org/2011/05/29/how-to-open-a-bag-of-charcoal/
    Cedar Park, TX
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    • Posts: 806

      Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

      I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

      LBGE

      Cedar table w/granite top

      Ceramic Grillworks two-tier swing rack

      Perpetual cooler of ice-cold beer

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    • Posts: 1,750
      :)
      Dave - Austin, TX
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    • Posts: 3,551
      I've struggled with the string and always end up with a knife or scissors. Can't wait to open my next bag.
      __________________________________________
      It's not a science, it's an art. And it's flawed.
      - Camp Hill, PA
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    • Posts: 105
      edited July 2013
      KennyLee said:

      kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

      Be careful what you say in a forum where we take pictures of how we cook our dinner :)
      Cedar Park, TX
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    • Posts: 859
      KennyLee said:

      Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

      I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

      And now there's a thread on it too!
      NW IOWA
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    • Posts: 19,183
      Nice thread - or should i say string? i get it right about 80% of the time. The knife by the bbq accessories deckbox is for the other 20%.

      #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
      A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
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    • Posts: 318
      Everyone struggles... Often have to use a knift to get things started.  Once you see that it's "unzipping" take advantage of the situation... Open the bag with a dramatic sweep of the arm... Good deck theater.  
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    • Posts: 3,951
      KennyLee said:

      Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

      I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

      How do you feel about the instructions on a bottle of shampoo?
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Well, "spa-Peggy" is kind of like spaghetti. I'm not sure what Peggy does different, if anything. But it's the one dish she's kind of made her own.
      ____________________
      Aurora, Ontario, Canada
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    • Posts: 7,777
      All fine and well except different manufacturers use different stitches.  I just fuss and swear until it pulls free.  If I've only gotten about 1/4 of the way across and I'm still fussing and swearing, I get out the utility knife and with one final swear word slash the mother open.      

      More or less....
      The Naked Whiz
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    • Posts: 8,200
      That's how I do it. Same kind of setup on the horsefeed we use down at the ranch. Takes a bit of practice, but when you get it down its much faster. Comes in handy when you don't have a knife on hand.

      Rowlett, Texas

      Griffin's Grub or you can find me on Facebook

      The Supreme Potentate, Sovereign Commander and Sultan of Wings

       

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    • Posts: 105
      edited July 2013
      The Naked Whiz said:

      All fine and well except different manufacturers use different stitches.      

      Good point. I pretty much only use Ozark Oak anymore so I can vouch for it working on those. Just pick at the knot a couple times and it opens right up.

      Cedar Park, TX
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    • Posts: 8,173
      TexanOfTheNorth said:

      show previous quotes
      How do you feel about the instructions on a bottle of shampoo?

      Lather, rinse, repeat. I stop when the bottle runs out. If that's not the proper method, the manufacturer would not advise it.
      Flint, Michigan
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    • Posts: 14,414
      Conditioner is better. It makes the hair silky and smooth.
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    • Posts: 16,025
      What about nutting up and cutting the bag open?
      Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
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    • Posts: 2,349
      I'm typically about an arm's length from the knife in my pocket.  By the time you un-jackedup the first side of the string, I've got the bag open and my Egg filled.
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    • Posts: 14,414
      henapple said:
      What about nutting up and cutting the bag open?
      Nut up? Hulk smash. Rip bag with hands. Dump black gold. Feast.


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    • Posts: 42,109
      This is how I used to open it....but I'd get a lot of dust.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfuJ_20MGok

      ______________________________________________
      I love lamp..
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    • Posts: 468
      Eggcelsior said:
      Conditioner is better. It makes the hair silky and smooth.
      Stop looking at me, swan!

      [Northern] Virginia is for [meat] lovers.
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    • Posts: 118

      In the time you've played with that string (like a house cat); I've grabbed the tab, ripped it open and dumped a load of coals into the egg.

      I'd make a video, but I think you guys probably do the same thing.

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